Community Focused
The St. Louis American Foundation, along with its education partners, has distributed more than $14 million in scholarships for high-potential, local minority students while also contributing to various community grants.
Recognition Events
Scholarships
Community Grants
Foundation News
- Carmen Meeks carries educators’ lessons forward
by Na'Porsha Williams | The St. Louis American on October 1, 2026 at 12:15 pmCarmen Meeks had to repeat the fourth grade, but that same year, she decided she wanted to become a teacher. “She was like, ‘I knew you were amazing. I’m not shocked by who you are today,’” Meeks recalled her fourth-grade teacher, Gwendolyn Beckwith, saying when the two reconnected during Meeks’ first year of teaching. “‘But The post Carmen Meeks carries educators’ lessons forward appeared first on St. Louis American.
- Samantha March is bringing opportunity home
by Sylvester Brown, Jr. | The St. Louis American on September 24, 2026 at 11:00 amDr. Samantha March, founding associate partner of early learning with Opportunity Trust, is on a “bring-back” mission. She grew up in North St. […]
- From struggling student to school leader
by Na'Porsha Williams | The St. Louis American on September 17, 2026 at 11:45 amLong before Dr. Demetrius Adams became the principal of Hazelwood West High School, he was a student struggling to read and wondering whether he […]
- McClure makes learning a lifelong missionby Sylvester Brown, Jr. | The St. Louis American on September 10, 2026 at 12:25 pm
- A calling, not a contractby Na'Porsha Williams | The St. Louis American on September 3, 2026 at 10:47 am
- Cardinal Ritter helped shape her. Now she shapes itby Sylvester Brown, Jr. | The St. Louis American on August 27, 2026 at 11:00 am
- Armstead, Knight, McClure lead Salute honoreesby Sylvester Brown, Jr. | The St. Louis American on August 21, 2026 at 9:30 pm
Salute to Excellence
Education
The Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala recognizes outstanding local Black educators and provides needed resources for high-achieving students of color to pursue their higher education goals.
Business
The Salute to Excellence in Business Awards and Networking Luncheon highlights African-American corporate managers and businesses.
Young Leaders
The Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception celebrates African-American professionals under the age 40.
Proceeds from the St. Louis American Foundation‘s 4 annual Salute to Excellence events benefit community grants as well as scholarships for local minority students. In 2022 alone, the foundation and its partners offered $2.8 million in scholarships and community grants, and has fostered more than $15 million since 1994.